December 29, 2013

Mavs-Timberwolves series could have long-term ramifications

MINNEAPOLIS – It may be somewhat early in the season. But games like the one the Dallas Mavericks play Monday at 7 at the Target Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves can have long-term ramifications later on this season.

That’s because the T-Wolves are already 2-0 against the Mavs this season. They beat Dallas, 116-108, in Minnesota on Nov. 8, and also defeated the Mavs in Dallas, 112-106, on Nov. 30.

With the T-Wolves (15-15) currently sitting two games behind the Mavs (17-13) for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spots, a victory over Minnesota would help Dallas if a postseason berth comes down to a tie-breaker situation.

“You don’t like to look at the standings and see the season series,’’ center Brandan Wright said. “But we need to get this game against Minnesota tomorrow so we can get a game back.

“They’re already up 2-0 on us in the season series, so it’s a big game for us and it’s important.’’

Only six games separate the No. 4-seeded Los Angeles Clippers (21-11) to the No. 11-seeded New Orleans Pelicans (13-15) out West.